Ute dancers, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of drummers and singers, brought history to life Wednesday on the stage at the Steamboat Springs High School Auditorium.

“It’s just so we can help preserve our history,” said Kea Tarness, coordinator of the event representing the Ute tribe. “Events like this are good because we are still able to do some of our ceremonial stuff, and it lets people know that we’re still here.”

For the past six years, Tread of Pioneers Museum has proudly hosted the Ute Indian Powwow Dance Performance and History Presentation — an event that Candice Bannister, executive director of the museum, says brings history to life by showcasing the culture and traditions of the Ute tribes that have been handed down for generations, and are still practiced today.

The annual powwow event is not only an important opportunity to welcome the Ute tribes back to their ancestral lands in Steamboat Springs, but also highlights the active history, culture and traditions of the Ute tribes today.

“Often, museums are perceived as mostly preserving and celebrating the past,” Bannister said. “But so much of Routt County and Western heritage continues through traditions and lifestyles today — and the museum embraces that. Ranching, skiing and our Olympic heritage are just a few examples. The Ute culture is no exception, as the tribes have rich cultural traditions, including language, beading, dress making, dancing, drumming, singing, powwow events, the Bear Dance and more.”

Those traditions were on full display in front of a packed house at Steamboat Springs High School, as dancers in full regalia performed traditional and fancy dances, as well as the jingle dance and the bear dance that is unique to the Ute Nation. Members of the Ute tribe — from the Uintah and Ouray Reservation — made the three-hour drive from near Vernal, Utah for a free community performance on Wednesday evening, followed by visits to the Strawberry Park Elementary and Sleeping Giant schools on Thursday.

Bannister said the powwow is one of the most popular events the museum hosts each year. Wednesday night’s performance was another fan favorite, and included the Bear Dance — a dance the Utes originated.

The Ute dancers “hold several events throughout the year to connect their communities and keep these traditions alive,” Bannister said. “We are so honored and grateful that they are so generous with their time and talents to travel to Steamboat Springs and share their beautiful culture with us.”